When it comes to dinner there are two things I love: pasta and one pan dishes. This dish comes together so quickly and is a hit with the whole family. And like many of the recipes I make, there are all sorts of variations to this meal. You can do a hamburger helper theme, pizza theme (sort of like this popular recipe from the archives!), mediterranean, taco – legit anything. This chicken pesto ravioli is a hit, too!

Back to THIS recipe. It is easy, it is satisfying, it is family friendly and just so good.

One Pan Weeknight Pasta Bake

Ingredients:
1 package cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1lb orzo
sliced black olives
pesto
mozzarella balls
shredded mozzarella 
fresh basil

Preheat oven to 375F. In a casserole dish mix cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallot, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Bake for 10 mins. Remove and sort of pop tomatoes to release juices. Add dried orzo, 1.5 cups of water, 6 dollops of pesto and bake for 12 mins. Mix all together and add sliced olives, mozzarella balls (I stuff them into the pasta) and top with shredded cheese. Broil for 5 mins until cheese is bubbly! Serve and enjoy!!